Search Recovery Koh Tao, SSI Search & Recovery Specialty
The Search Recovery Koh Tao specialty teaches you how to locate and safely lift objects underwater using professional methods. This course is ideal for divers who want to gain confidence and develop real problem-solving skills beneath the surface. Indeed, the Search Recovery Koh Tao programme is one of the most technically rewarding specialties in the SSI curriculum — and Koh Tao’s calm, clear waters make it an ideal location to practise. It is also a natural step toward the Divemaster SSI certification.
Why take the Search Recovery Koh Tao course?
This SSI programme gives you the skills needed to organise and carry out underwater search tasks efficiently. Koh Tao offers perfect conditions for practising different search patterns and lifting techniques, thanks to its calm water, varied seabed terrain, and excellent visibility. Moreover, the skills you develop are directly applicable to real diving situations — making you a more capable, confident, and autonomous diver on every fun dive.
What you will learn, Search Recovery Koh Tao SSI
1. Underwater search methods
You will discover several patterns including U-patterns, expanding circles, and linear searches — each suited to different conditions and object sizes.
2. Recovery techniques
You will practise lift bag handling, object attachment, and controlled ascents — core skills in any Search Recovery Koh Tao training.
3. Planning a search operation
This includes preparing the team, defining objectives, evaluating risks, and choosing the most appropriate search method for the conditions.
4. Environmental assessment
Visibility, depth, terrain, and currents are all part of the analysis needed to maintain safe diving practices throughout the operation.
Search Recovery Koh Tao, how the course works
The training takes 1 day and includes:
- A theory session on search patterns and planning
- Practical workshops in a controlled environment
- 3 open-water dives up to 30 metres
- Realistic underwater search exercises
- Object-lifting practice with a lift bag
Upon completion, you receive the SSI Search & Recovery Diver certification, valid worldwide. To book your session or learn more about prerequisites, contact us directly. You can also browse our full range of SSI courses available in Koh Tao.
